LAHORE: The board of governors of the under-construction Jinnah Institute of Cardiology on Monday reviewed progress on the flagship cardiac hospital, assessed the recruitment process and preparations for opening its outpatient department (OPD), with officials expressing confidence that the 256-bed facility would become operational soon.

The decisions were taken during the 12th meeting of the board, jointly chaired by Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique and BOG Chairman Dr Farqad Alamgir at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology.

The meeting approved the minutes of its previous session and carried out a detailed review of recruitment for various posts, with officials saying the hiring process was being completed strictly on merit. Participants also discussed measures to make the institute’s OPD functional for the public.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Rafique said the institute would provide world-class cardiac care to people in the region and would prove to be a landmark healthcare facility for heart patients. He said the government was committed to expanding quality cardiac treatment facilities across Punjab and that the institute would be fully operational soon with modern healthcare services.

Dr Farqad Alamgir said members of the board were playing their role in developing the institute into a transparent and modern healthcare model. He said the 256-bed hospital would be handed over to the administration in the near future.

Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Secretary Azmat Mahmood, who attended the meeting via video link, directed the officials to ensure the prompt implementation of all decisions and said recruitment for various posts was being completed on “100 per cent merit.”

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026